Nico Hulkenberg stole the spotlight at Silverstone, finally breaking his long-standing Formula 1 record for most race starts without a podium. After 238 attempts, the Sauber driver clinched a sensational third-place finish at the 2025 British Grand Prix, silencing critics and reigniting discussion about his missed opportunity with Red Bull Racing.

How Hulkenberg’s Strategic Drive Unfolded

Starting from a lowly 19th on the grid in tricky, rain-affected conditions, Hulkenberg’s fortune seemed uncertain. However, inspired pit strategy from the Sauber team propelled the German through the field. As the race unfolded, he moved up to fourth, overtook Lance Stroll, and then held off a charging Lewis Hamilton to secure his long-awaited podium finish.

• Started: 19th on the grid
• Finished: 3rd place, ahead of Hamilton by five seconds
• First F1 podium: After 239 races

Red Bull’s Missed Opportunity?

Hulkenberg’s breakthrough has reignited debate over Red Bull’s driver choices. When questioned post-race if Red Bull should have signed Hulkenberg in 2020, team principal Christian Horner sidestepped the issue, simply congratulating the German on his achievement. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko previously revealed that the team had considered Hulkenberg for the 2021 season but opted for Sergio Perez following his win at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

"Maybe it’s a good thing that he didn’t get the seat next to Max anyway," Marko commented, reflecting on the decision-making process that tipped in Perez’s favor.

Verstappen’s Respect for Hulkenberg

Max Verstappen, a close friend and longtime racing rival from their karting days, was among the first to congratulate Hulkenberg. Their camaraderie was evident as Verstappen praised Hulkenberg’s performance, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two drivers.

Contrast with Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda

While Hulkenberg celebrated his podium, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda endured a frustrating afternoon. Despite starting eight places ahead of Hulkenberg, Tsunoda finished 15th and a lap down, hampered by a 10-second penalty and challenging wet conditions—highlighting the contrasting fortunes within the Red Bull camp.

Looking Ahead: Audi and Sauber’s Rising Prospects

With his Silverstone podium, Hulkenberg has climbed to ninth in the Drivers’ Championship, and Sauber has jumped three spots to sixth in the Constructors’ standings. Hulkenberg has already committed to a multi-year deal with Sauber, set to become Audi’s works team in 2026—closing the door on any near-future Red Bull move.

What This Means for Red Bull and F1 Driver Market

• Red Bull’s future driver choices remain under scrutiny
• The F1 2026 driver market is heating up, with several high-profile moves already confirmed
• Hulkenberg’s resilience is a testament to persistence paying off in Formula 1

For more on team strategies and driver market developments, check out our in-depth analysis of Red Bull's driver market and a preview of the F1 2026 driver lineup.

Conclusion

Nico Hulkenberg's historic podium at Silverstone not only marks a personal triumph but also raises questions about past decisions at Red Bull. As the F1 driver market continues to evolve, all eyes remain on both Hulkenberg’s next chapters with Sauber-Audi and Red Bull’s future moves in the paddock.